Abstract
Abstract AIMS The present study aimed to investigate the effects of whole body isometric resistance training (IRT) on blood pressure (BP), strength and aerobic fitness. We also analyzed whether the effects of whole body isometric training compares to whole body dynamic resistance training (DRT). METHODS Twenty-nine pre-hypertensive sedentary males, aged between 40 and 60 years were divided into three groups: IRT (n = 10), DRT (n = 9), and Control (n = 10). Both programs involved whole body resistance training, and occurred for 12 weeks, three times/week, at an intensity of 60% of a dynamic one repetition maximum test (1RM). Before and after 12 weeks, 24 hours blood pressure monitoring, 1RM strength and aerobic fitness were assessed. RESULTS IRT reduced diastolic BP values during a 24-hour period and daytime. There was also a decrease in mean BP values during daytime (P 0.05). IRT increased strength and aerobic fitness when compared to Control group. However, these changes were lower than DRT regarding strength (DRT: ∆ = 43.1±10.6% vs. IRT: ∆ = 24.1±7.1% vs. CON: Δ = 4.2±11.5%; P<0.05) and aerobic fitness (DRT: ∆ = 22.9±10.7% vs. IRT: ∆ = 12.9±6.1% vs. CON: Δ = -2.1±7.4%; P<0.01). CONCLUSION Whole body IRT reduced diastolic BP and mean BP, however, the decrease was not different for the DRT group. IRT also increased strength and aerobic fitness, nevertheless, these changes were lower than after DRT.
Highlights
Aging has been associated with increases in occurrence of chronic diseases and reductions in physical fitness, including decreases in strength and aerobic fitness[1,2,3]
There was a main effect of time indicating a reduction in diastolic blood pressure (BP) values in isometric resistance training (IRT) group during 24 hours (P = 0.022) and during daytime (P = 0.016), as well as mean BP during daytime (P < 0.01)
Unlike IRT and Control groups, the intervention with dynamic resistance training (DRT) promoted a significant increase in arterial stiffness index (AASI) (Table 2)
Summary
Aging has been associated with increases in occurrence of chronic diseases and reductions in physical fitness, including decreases in strength and aerobic fitness[1,2,3]. Changes in lifestyle due to exercise can contribute to the mitigation of functional decline and decrease the prevalence of systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) in this population[9,10]. One type of exercise, which has gained support in health studies in the recent decades, is resistance training (RT), which is based on efforts made against a specific resistance and aims to increase power, strength and/or muscle endurance over time[2,9]. Some studies have shown significant reductions in resting blood pressure (BP) after dynamic and isometric RT, and have suggested that four weeks of RT may contribute to the treatment and / or prevention of SAH11,12,13. Suggesting that isometric RT may have a potential for the largest reductions in BP13,14
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